monastery

noun

mon·​as·​tery ˈmä-nə-ˌster-ē 

plural monasteries

: a house for persons under religious vows

especially : an establishment for monks

Synonyms of monastery

• cloister
• abbey

Examples of monastery in a Sentence

Gregory Mendel worked out his concepts of genetics by doing breeding experiments using pea plants in the monastery's garden.

Recent Examples on the Web

The monastery, where Ukraine typically holds funeral services for soldiers killed in the war, was packed. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Riya Tamang, 21, who fled with her 10-month-old baby as the floodwaters approached, is among those taking shelter at the monastery. — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Their welcome dinner was held at the charming pink mansion, Casa Dos Penedos, while the wedding day was held around a monastery. — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026

When not picking zucchini, asparagus or other vegetables, Sister Clare Joseph runs the monastery infirmary. — Kelly Wilkinson, IndyStar, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English monasterie, from Late Latin monasterium, from Late Greek monastērion, from Greek, hermit's cell, from monazein to live alone, from monos single — more at monk

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for monastery

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

monastery

noun

mon·​as·​tery ˈmän-ə-ˌster-ē 

plural monasteries

: a place where a community of monks or nuns live and work

monasterial

ˌmän-ə-ˈstir-ē-əl

adjective